7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik

Croatia is one of those places in Europe that I’ve always wanted to see during the summer. After all, I’ve heard a LOT of great stories about it from friends as they describe to me their love for its sapphire waters and charming small islands.

…Sure, I may have grown up in an archipelago and have had my fair share of wondrous beaches and islands, but the Mediterranean has its own distinct personality that I wanted to explore.

Thankfully, that wish came true and it wasn’t just an ordinary visit either because I was given the chance to go on an epic 7-day SAILING spree with MedSailors!

In the yacht I was assigned to, I met my ‘crew mates’ (guests like me) who mostly came from the UK and Australia. But we weren’t the only yacht in this voyage because we had about 7 other yachts who were going along with us (called as flotilla). For days, we hopped from one island to the next on a luxurious yacht, frolicked around the waters, learned how to sail with our experienced skippers, partied at some nights, ate amazing food, and did a lot of awesome land activities —yep, and ALL that for only just about $500 (Php 25,000~)!

It was insanely good, and without a doubt, they’re a provider that gives you more than what you pay for!

So for this, we started sailing from Split as we slowly made our way to Dubrovnik (but you can also do it vice versa). If you want to learn more details about this trip, read through the link below since MedSailors also offers a lot of other Med sailing options and adventures!

Now, if you’re rather curious about the activities that we did all throughout those 7 days, do continue reading through this post. ✦.

Sailing Croatia: 7-Day Itinerary

» PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to get the best flight deals to Croatia?
My go-to platforms for grabbing the best flight deals are Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner. But of course, it’s always good practice to research first the budget airlines that exist in the country that you’re currently staying in, since they could have rock-bottom prices that are not often visible in the above flight search engines.

How to get Croatian Kuna currency?I highly advice that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are totally not competitive. What should you rather do? Either exchange your money or US dollars at a bank or at a money exchanger; or better yet, just withdraw from an ATM in Croatia with your debit/credit card. There are ATM’s in Split and Dubrovnik as well as in most of the other ports.Rate exchange: $1 = 7~ Kuna = Php 45~

How to get around?Of course it’s possible to rent a car and then rent a boat by yourself — but if you want a more epic experience, it’s best to book into sailing providers like MedSailors so that you can maximize the MOST of Croatia’s islands! Their Croatia voyages starts at about $500 only (or Php 25,000~) and can go as high as $700 (or Php 35,000~) depending on the week that you book into and the kind of yacht that you choose. Read here for more details.

Before I finally begin with the itinerary guide, in case you’re more of a visual person, you can watch my video vlog here which is a brief preview into the experience that I had with MedSailors in Croatia…

» DAY #1 «

With the Voyager route of MedSailors, everyone is supposed to meet up at the Baotic Marina in SPLIT, Croatia at around 1PM. (Trips usually start on a Saturday and end on a Friday).

That being said, it’s best that you arrive a day or two earlier if you want to explore more of Split. After all, it has two amazing UNESCO heritage sites that you shouldn’t miss: the Palace of Diocletian and the historic walled town of Trogir.

A flotilla usually consists of about 5-8 yachts and the yacht that I was assigned to was owned by a skipper named Russell. After being introduced to him, I was introduced to my ‘crew mates’: 3 girl friends from the UK, 1 solo traveler (like I was) also from the UK, and 1 couple from Australia. After talking with everyone, I just knew that I was going to have a great time! (Spoiler alert: …and I sure did!)

We then set off to visit the 1st island of our voyage: SESULA in Solta island which was a small tranquil bay that largely depended on its fisheries, olive groves, and vineyards. Along the way though, we had our first taste of sailing lessons from Russell when he taught us how to adjust the sails — again, like what I’ve already mentioned above, you can learn how to sail with MedSailors and you’re free to aid or even take over the skipper’s duties (and you’re also free not to, of course).

When we arrived at the island, we had some time to enjoy the waters as we used the paddleboards that came free in the yachts. And when sunset was about to come, everyone in our flotilla came together to have some drinks by the bay and enjoy the sunset. It was some sort of welcome party as we got to know everyone else on the other yachts! It was then that I learned that the others were from places all over the world like US, Singapore, France, Italy, South Africa, etc.

Come night time, the skippers reserved tables for us at Sismis Restaurantand we had our first ever delicious Croatia Mediterranean feast. There were even some locals in the restaurant who were singing with an accordion so it really felt so lively!

A must try local Croatian specialty in the konoba (restaurant) is Peka, a baked dish with meat and vegetables made in a pot or tray)

Before the night ended, we headed to a small local bar by the beach to have some drinks with everyone..

» DAY #2 «

Come morning, Russell prepared breakfast for us, and then we started sailing again in order to reach a spot in the middle of the sea that wasn’t too far away from Sesula. (At this point, we learned how to anchor the yacht!) We spent a good time of our morning there to do more swimming and paddleboarding together with the other yachts.

By lunch time, we reached the PAKLENI Islands’ Palmizana Bay which was an idyllic place that was not only a typical stopover or ‘parking spot’ for all the other sailing providers in Croatia but also an idyllic place with scenic bars by the beach. We spent a good amount of time here swimming in the waters and drinking cocktails at the Laganini Beach Bar.

Some time in the late afternoon, we then boarded a water taxi (100 kuna, roundtrip) to reach the bustling town of HVAR that’s renowned for its nightlife. Armed with our cones of gelatos, we first explored this picturesque town and then headed up to the Spanjola Fortress (Fortica Spanjola) to get a breathtaking panoramic view of the port town (as seen in the photo that’s located at the very top of this post).

After dinner, it was a more hardcore party night for us as we all went to Kiva Bar in Hvar — it was surely a night to remember!.

» DAY #3 «

By this day of sailing in Croatia, I could confidently say that I’ve earned my ‘sea legs’ (the ability to keep my balance and not feel seasick) — though the lingering ‘moving sensation’ once I was on land was a different matter of its own, but it wasn’t that bad. It just happens when you start living in a boat and you simply will just get used to it. (Rest assured, the waters here were pretty calm so no worries there!)

So from Hvar, we then set off to reach the next island: VELA LUKA which is Korcula Island’s largest town, and its promenade was surely lined with interesting cafes and restaurants. During that voyage, we spent our sweet time doing more swimming and we even tried attaching our paddleboard to our yacht so that we can ride it while we were sailing! It was tough, but surely manageable.

Once we were at Vela Luka, we had the liberty to choose a restaurant that we would want to dine in for dinner. You might have expected us to go our separate ways, but we all decided to stick together and dined in a pizza place (which was delish!). At one point of the day, we also went shopping for water floats… which was a funny experience because we ended up walking to such a far supermarket (which didn’t have any floats), only to find out later as we walked back that the shops closer to the port had what we needed. :P

Come night time, it was one of our more calmer nights and we all decided to just chill in our yacht — eating, drinking, and playing card games like UNO!.

» DAY #4 «

We landed on KORCULA Old Town on Korcula Island, a medieval city that has a succession of narrow streets that branch off from the spine of the main street like a fish bone — you bet that I had so much fun ‘getting lost’ in those streets!

Apparently, this design was used to reduce the effects of the wind and sun, and provide the citizens with more comfortable accommodation.

Must-do: Sample Posipwine and see St. Mark’s Cathedral

Other things that we did during the day in this island was wine tasting (for an additional cost of 80 kuna only). And before the night dawned, we stopped by the cocktail bar: Massimo which I absolutely recommend that you visit!

It’s perched up high on a tower (you’ll have to go up a small ladder) and it did not only offer us great views of the surrounding landscape but also great-tasting drinks!.

» DAY #5 «

Croatia’s MedSailors typically holds a regatta (boat race) on this day but with a twist: the skipper will not help AT ALL so it’s up to you to navigate the yacht without the engine to reach the ‘finish line’. We were all SO stoked about this (especially since my crew and I knew that we could win it lol — WE’RE THE BEST *Spartan scream*)!

…However, the winds weren’t so optimal this day (it was weak) so we ended up cruising along the waves with everyone else. Nevertheless, if you’re lucky enough and you hold this event, I bet that you guys will have a swell time!

So for this 5th day, we amped up our water activities. Everyone in our flotilla anchored and cozied up in a nice coast and spent most of the morning having fun! Some of the other guests bought a water float where we could play beer pong, and then the skippers even thought of tying up several paddleboards together so that whoever reaches the end whilst running will be regarded as awesome (lol). It was actually a fun way to see who has really earned their “sea legs”!

After lunch, we proceeded to dock to MLJET which is an unspoiled island mostly covered by forest while the rest is dotted with fields, vineyards, and small villages. Up on the northwestern half would be the National Park where we found pine forests and spectacular saltwater lakes — we were all able to see most of the island by cycling (only 100 kuna to rent), which I absolutely recommend!

Make sure to spot the Benedictine Monasteryin one of the lakes, and it’s also best that you keep your swimsuit underneath because there are spots where you are free to swim. Another activitiy that you can try is kayaking (only 50 kuna).

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» DAY #6 «

This day took us to the small island of SIPAN which is said to be the playground of royalty and the wealthy in Croatia. Apart from that, the entire island is covered in Mediterranean vegetation while the rest are mostly covered by olive trees, making it earn the spot at the Guinness Book of World Records as the island with most olive trees in relation to its size and number of inhabitants!

We had a great time just chilling around this town, and later on we had one big group dinner again which was technically our farewell dinner. At that moment, it was hard to believe that our trip was ending because we were having so much fun!

In mild ‘retaliation’, we all went to a bar and partied all night long as we danced, talked, and drink.

I swear to you, this trip was one for the books and I urge you to take it too as it will be the trip of a lifetime!.

» DAY #7 «

We landed in ACI Marina DUBROVNIK to bid our farewell to everyone, and we were then free to explore the city (which Game of Thrones’ fans would absolutely love, since a lot of the scenes from the series were shot here!).

It was bittersweet to see everyone go, while also realizing that our ‘sea life’ has ended — but we all agreed to get together in the night to have one last drink with everyone.

Some things that you must know about Dubrovnik is that it is one of the most renowned tourists sites in Croatia — not only because of GoT but because of its awe-inspiring old town. It’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979!

Must-do: Walk the city walls, go up the cable car (to get a better view of the whole place), and maybe even try cliff juming at Bar Biza.

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Booking Essentials

Overall

There’s no question about it — Croatia IS best explored by sailing! And if you’re looking for the best yacht provider to give you an affordable getaway AND a fun memorable experience, you should seriously consider MedSailors.

I’ve had a great time with them whilst hopping from one island to another and meeting interesting people from all over the world, and I bet you will too. So come and plan your upcoming Med summer NOW!

DISCLAIMER: MedSailors sponsored this sailing trip (other expenses are my own). Still and as always, all views that are expressed here represent only those made by myself and NOT of any other entity in their favor.

My mission? To show you how it is absolutely possible to create a life of travel too (no matter the odds), and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel guides, adventures, resources, tips, and MORE!